When it comes to planning or remodeling a space, measurements are especially helpful.
Getting accurate measurements increases efficiency throughout the entire process, whether the project is do-it-yourself or you choose to work with a designer.
Measurements are also a great place to start when considering a remodel, big or small.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with the dimensions of a room in order to know what space you have and what kind of space you need to fill, taking into account built-in features or appliances.
And sticking to the measurements can help you further customize the room by using what’s already there and knowing exactly how much material you need for any updates.
Using the tools and pointers below, select the room you’d like to remodel with the right measurements to help your remodel or renovation, from start to finish.
How to measure a room – the basics
Before you begin measuring, start with an outline,
drawing the basic shape of the room and then determining where doors, windows, cabinets, or other fixed features will be located.
This is your map of measurements so you can determine the length and width of all the necessary features to plan out.
Using a tape measure, measure and refer to the following on your outline:
Wall to wall: Note each side of the wall, indicate if it differs, and then measure floor to ceiling as well.
Measure walls to the outer edges of windows/doors where applicable,
or from wall to wall if there are no other openings on the wall.
Fixed features such as doorways, windows, cabinets,
or corners (or other built-in features).
Measure windows and doorways from outer edge to outer edge (rather than just the window or glass opening) and label the measurements.
Label and tag appliances, cabinets, or where furniture is located.
This distinguishes between base and upper cabinets when necessary.
Length x width = area
This formula, using a measurement in feet (from 12 inches to 1 foot), helps
In determining the square footage of anything, from a section of a room,
to an extension of a cupboard, or a refrigerator.
If the room has an unconventional shape, divide it into square spaces.
Measure the length and width of each section,
then add them all to the room’s total square footage.
For example, a closet or pantry might be 2×8 square feet,
so it would add 16 square feet to the room’s total area.
If a countertop island divides the room,
measure the length and width of the island to approximate that occupied space.
When it comes to measuring and planning a bathroom,
you’ll need other measurements as well.
Note any measurements for plumbing, outlets, or connections, for example,
Rough size is an important measurement to note when installing or replacing a toilet.
The rough gauge reflects the distance between the wall and the center of the toilet drain pipe,
usually 12 inches from the wall.
Also measure the location of the tub and shower plumbing when planning a bathroom remodel.
Are measurements required when working with a designer?
Yes! Any designer will need idea room dimensions to accurately set the stage for your vision,
Providing measurements helps the designer see how everything will fit together before making any changes.
This ensures accurate delivery of suggested design ideas, an impressive array of features,
improved time to work on the project, reduced amount of potential waste,
Hence the costs – leaving a happy homeowner at the end of the day.
If you’re using a stylist to help with your remodel, these gauges don’t need to be super accurate,
But it does so to give a good idea of the dimensions of the space.
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